Josh Doctson to fill the role of 'Z' receiver

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 18: Wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins misses a catch against cornerback Morris Claiborne #24 of the Dallas Cowboys in the second half at FedExField on September 18, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

According to Nora Princiotti of the Washington Times, Washington wide receiver Josh Doctson will fill Pierre Garcon’s role in the offense as the “Z” receiver. Doctson was a first-round pick in 2016. The vacancy occurred after Garcon signed with the 49ers this offseason.

Doctson was our top graded WR in the 2015 draft class. His overall grade of 92.0 is highest PFF grade to date for a college wide receiver (2014).

In college Doctson was considered more of a deep threat. His average depth of target in 2015 was 15.2. His two most frequently targeted routes both had average depth over 20 yards, go routes (28.9 avg. depth) and post routes (21.4 avg. depth).

For comparison, as the Z receiver Garcon was asked to work more short and intermediate routes. Over the past two seasons his ADOT was 10.4 and his most frequently targeted routes all had under 10 yard averages.